Bob Hendren

@Bob Wilson - I wouldn't say that we "depend" on RETS. It's more like "put up with". True, we do get several data feeds from MLSs via RETS. My complaints with it are these: 1. Even though it's supposed to be a standard, the actual implementation can vary wildly from one MLS to the next. 2. The primary thing that shows promise is Standard Names, but I've yet to run into an implementation that has it in full use. 3. In changing transport layer from FTP to HTTP, it's barely more advantageous. Really, though, HTTP can break down for large downloads quicker than FTP. Sure, some MLSs have gone from once-a-day updates to more-than-once-a-day updates, it's far from allowing real-time or even near-real-time access. 4. Even though it's based on XML, the odd implementation isn't up to snuff. If you asked someone from outside our industry to look at it, they probably wouldn't recognize it as an XML packet. Is anyone that has commented on this story one of the actual geeks that writes code? I am - I've written every line of code in our system. 10 years ago, I planned my original database schema to match up with the RETS Standard Names so I'd hopefully have less to mess with when the wonderful "standard" was implemented! And every time I tackle a new RETS-based dataset for our IDX services, I'm amazed at how little has actually been accomplished in the last 10 years. Again, I'm sorry to come off as unpleasant. But until someone can show me a "standard" that truly is one, I guess I'll have to wring my hands, gnash my teeth, and just deal with it.

In response to David: I should restate that it hasn't mattered to anyone in positions of power. All of the fine technical folks that are toiling away at it may be doing so for naught. I'd hate to see this become a political struggle of RETS vs. RPR vs. whatever else. I don't want to sound like I wouldn't want to help, but until someone really puts a stake in the ground, it's just a bunch of churning.

This story is SO far from mattering to anyone at all. RETS is not even close to being the standard that the industry can trust and use. I blogged about this last year: http://listingware.com/blog/post.cfm/ahh-rets-10-years-in-and-it-s-like-it-s-the-first-day It has plenty of potential, but because it's all voluntary, not required, no one wants to make it complete. It's been 10 YEARS in the making and it's still not there! Now, I'd be happy to see a standard - ANY standard - that would allow for interoperability and cooperation throughout the industry, but RETS still ain't it. Sorry for my little rant, but I don't really care to see folks get stirred up about RETS when the time should be taken to do it right.